Africa-Press – Eswatini. Thousands of former Eswatini mineworkers will soon have easier access to compensation for occupational lung diseases, as the Tshiamiso Trust rolls out outreach services across the country to support claims related to silicosis and work-related tuberculosis (TB).
Since 2020, 5,222 claims have been submitted through TEBA offices in Mbabane and Nhlangano. So far, more than R96 million has been paid out to over 1,000 eligible claimants, including families of deceased mineworkers. However, nearly 900 individuals are still awaiting Benefit Medical Examinations (BMEs), a mandatory part of the claims process.
To address this backlog and improve access, the Trust is expanding its presence in eSwatini through a mobile outreach initiative that will bring BMEs and new claim lodgement services to Hlatikhulu, Manzini, Mbabane, Pigg’s Peak, and Siteki.
“Time is of the essence. We want every former gold miner who may be eligible to have the chance to lodge a claim and be assessed for possible compensation,” said Dr Munyadziwa Kwinda, CEO of Tshiamiso Trust.
Mobile Outreach Schedule
Hlatikhulu Government Hospital: 26–30 May
Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital (Manzini): 2–6 June
Mbabane City Council Clinic: 9–11 June
Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital: 12–13 June
Good Shepherd Hospital (Siteki): 16–17 June
It’s worth highlight that these services are available only to first-time claimants and those awaiting BMEs — not for following up on existing claims.
Tshiamiso Trust compensates mineworkers for permanent lung damage caused by silicosis or work-related TB, not for merely having the disease. BMEs are required to determine the extent of lung damage.
Active TB must be treated before a BME can be completed. Tshiamiso Trust BMEs do not include TB tests, and suspected cases are referred to local health facilities for screening and treatment.
To qualify for compensation:Mineworkers must have performed risk work at specific gold mines (owned by six major companies) between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019.
Living claimants must show proof of permanent lung impairment from silicosis or TB contracted while working.
For deceased workers, eligibility depends on date and cause of death, with criteria outlined in the Trust Deed.
Notably, 70% of claims to date have been deemed ineligible, highlighting the importance of accurate documentation and understanding of the qualification rules.
Compensation is a once-off payment. However, if a claimant is initially ineligible but later develops symptoms, they may submit one additional claim.
The Tshiamiso Trust services are free of charge, except in cases where a claimant worked less than 5 years of risk work. In such instances, the BME costs R1400, which is refundable if the claim is approved.
Claimants are warned not to pay individuals offering to expedite claims or posing as Trust representatives.
For more information contact +27 10 500 6186
WhatsApp: +27 78 504 9004
Facebook: Tshiamiso Trust – Silicosis Settlement
Email: [email protected]
“Committed to Reaching More Eswatini Claimants” – Trust CEO “Despite the challenges in verifying and processing claims, we’ve already paid over 22 000 claims regionally, and we’re committed to reaching more eligible claimants in Eswatini,” added Dr Kwinda, thanking local partners, government, and ex-mineworker associations for their support.
Tshiamiso Trust was established through a landmark settlement between six gold mining companies and class-action claimants; Tshiamiso Trust provides compensation to eligible current and former mineworkers across southern Africa.
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